Herpetology offers benefits to humanity in the
study of the role of amphibians and reptiles in global ecology, especially
because amphibians are often very sensitive to environmental
changes, offering a visible warning to humans that significant
changes are taking place. Some toxins and venoms produced by
reptiles and amphibians are useful in human medicine. Currently,
some snake venom has been used to create anti-coagulants
that work to treat stroke victims and heart attack cases.

People with an avid interest in herpetology and
who keep different reptiles or amphibians, often refer to
themselves as "herpers." Many herpetological
societies exist today having been formed to promote interest in
reptiles and amphibians both captive and wild.

Careers

There are many careers in the field of herpetology.
These include, but are not limited to, field researches, public and
private breeders, zoological staff or curator, college professor,
and museum staff or curator.

Those wishing to pursue a career in herpetology
must have a strong science and math background. Few universities
offer this program, and thus it is a highly competitive
field.

In modern academic science, it is rare for
individuals to consider themselves a herpetologist first and
foremost. Most individuals focus on a particular field such as
ecology, evolution, taxonomy, physiology, or molecular
biology, and within that field ask questions pertaining to or
best answered by examining reptiles and amphibians. For example, an
evolutionary biologist who is also a herpetologist may choose to
work on how warning coloration evolved in coral
snakes.